£208K FUNDING FOR NEW INDUSTRY CAREERS SCHEME

Midlands Parks Forum has been awarded a £208,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create a new training programme aimed at developing the next generation of green space managers.

The Green Heritage Future Leaders Programme will be designed to support professionals responsible for parks, gardens, nature reserves and other public green spaces across the Midlands. The Forum says the initiative is intended to address a national shortage of skilled green space managers at a time when the sector faces increasing pressure from climate-related challenges.

Made possible through National Lottery players, the funding will allow the organisation to work with specialist trainers to deliver high-level instruction across a broad range of subjects essential to modern green space management. A strong emphasis will be placed on building a cohort of trainees who will learn collaboratively, share expertise and develop leadership and mentoring skills throughout the programme.

Midlands Parks Forum says the long-term outcome will be better-managed parks and public landscapes for communities throughout the region, supported by a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals.

The organisation currently supports more than 400 individuals each year through learning visits, CPD sessions, webinars and formal training. Subscription to the Forum is available via employers such as local authorities, parks trusts and environmental organisations. The new leadership programme will be offered to subscribers, with further updates expected in early 2026.

Commenting on the announcement, James Dymond, chair of Midlands Parks Forum and director at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire, said, “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the heritage of public parks, gardens and nature reserves will improve through a new era of training focused on the environment and enrichment for communities.”